Memories and Plain Accommodations

Kagome left with Sango from the village. They'd have to buy her some more daggers soon, and some better laces. The ones she had were always getting worn down when she faced strong demons. Sango told Kagome that they should try to buy the steel armoured boots, but Kagome just knew they'd weigh her down. Kagome's advantage was fighting with swiftness and silence, not brute force. Of course any warrior could understand that you had to spend money to make money. Sure your shields might crack, your swords, bows might break, or you might run out of arrows, or in Kagome's case, daggers. But when you got paid by the villagers, the pay was more than enough to cover all the damages and even a few meals for the future. Even though Demon Hunter prices were high, as much as five thousand Selos (the currency), in the end they hoped every village, person, or kingdom would understand it pretty much goes away by the end of three weeks.

Kagome and Sango were on their way to the market in the big city of Linu, the second largest city in Kanja. There Kagome could get some more weapons and clothing, while Sango would get the food and get some more of her own Salvager equipment.

It would take at least 5 hours on horse to get there. Cities, towns and villages, all of them, they were so close. It was a strategy Kanja developed years ago, saying if everyone lived closer together, that they could all defend each-other and that demon attacks could be prevented. The only problem with that was, demons were attacked to large groups of people. Usually if a population escalated, or if an event was going on, they'd show up more often. But every village had their own types of warriors to defend them. But for people like Kagome, the Demon Hunters, it was their job to seek out demons and destroy them so they could prevent an attack in the future.

Once in an odd while, Demon Hunters would help in defending villages, but if they did, the pay was still the same. Five thousand Selos for every Demon Hunter. It was the law, proclaimed by the emperor of Kanja.

Sango and Kagome had been on the road for three hours now. The horses seemed to still be fine, every once and while they'd check their hooves, eyes, and make sure they didn't get distracted. They wanted to make it to Linu before nightfall and the sun was already heading to the west.

"Come on Shikon, you can do it girl, don't get lazy on me, we're almost in time for hay. Just two more hours' girl."

They continued to ride on. The roads were dangerous. If you didn't have a horse, you shouldn't be on them. Everyone on the roads went so fast, horses would gallop so quickly, you had to be careful not to hit anyone, and also watch out for bandits and other villagers looking for other disgusting things.

Finally when they made it to the city, Kagome dismounted from Shikon, her Mare, and Sango the same with her Gelding.

They were at first stopped by the open gates. A small man came up to them and asked them, "What ish yi beeshneesh?" He asked in a very sharp accent, almost as if he was whispering, but it was slightly louder than that.

"We've come for shelter for the night. And for our horses. Tomorrow we plan to get supplies from your city's market, by the end of the night tomorrow though, we'll be gone."

The man then asked them their names to clarify who they were, "I'm Kagome Higurashi, this is Sango Coral."

"I see," the man finished writing their names down. "Very well, you may enter. Now then, we don't want no trouble, Linu's a very peaceful city, we hope to keep it that way."

Kagome wanted to punch this man, she already told him why they were there, to get more warning about it was just wasting time for them. They were tired, their horses were tired, and they wanted to eat. Yet she felt if she caused any drama now, it wouldn't bring a solution to anything. "We understand, thank you very much sir." He then huffed before telling the guards to let them through. And so they were.

As they got further inside, Sango came closer to Kagome, her horse following behind and she said to her, "Could you believe that guy? For all you do for this country, he should be honoured that a Demon Hunter is even talking to his worthless ass."

"Sango, let's not dwell," said Kagome as she walked on looking for a place to stay. A bunch of Inn's caught her eye, and she wanted to choose the best place for their horses.

Sango gave her own irritated huff and decided to drop it, though Kagome understood exactly how she felt.

People filled the streets, it was late shopping before everything would close after the sun goes down. The girls were used to the air of the city. So many different smells, different people from different cities, even countries or small smelly slums, all their smells mingled together and actually created a sort of nasty aroma Kagome quite meant to ignore. She spent more time sleeping in the forests and knew the true scent of fresh air. City air made her want to run out of there, but her and Sango obviously couldn't.

Finally they came up to a nice small place. The building was a light pink, and the stone floor was an egg yolk like yellow. In the middle of the beautiful stone walk way was a fountain that had three layers filling with water as the top showed a statue of a woman holding a jar that the water came out of. It was very interesting.

Noticing the girls coming upon the place, there then came a girl rushing down from stairs in order to greet them. She had very red hair, and the greenest eyes they'd ever seen. "Hey, welcome." She said, then bowed. "Please, are you here to stay?"

Kagome then commented, "We're right now looking around, but yes we are looking for a place."

The girl then ran up to them, "Oh then please, look no further, we can accommodate you. Isn't that right Rin? ... Rin?" She then looked behind her and saw nobody there. "Oh gosh, darn it." She slapped her hand to her forehead.

"Um, is something the matter?" Sango asked.

"Oh, nothing nothing nothing, just she's always late is all. ... Excuse me for one second." She said, then she turned and, "RIN!" she yelled out so loudly, Kagome's horse stirred a bit.

Kagome then held Shikon steady. "Whoa, whoa girl." She told her as she pet her nose bridge.

"Kagome, I won't stay where the horses are uncomfortable."

"True, these children have to learn more about hospitality."

But then suddenly another girl came running out, she was little, and she rushed right up to the red haired girl. "Took you long enough." The red haired girl stated.

"I'm sorry Ayame, but Master Sesshomaru needed my assistance first."

"Oh, well then, of course, that's fine." She then turned to Kagome and Sango once again, and this time the little girl looked at them as well, bowing her head.

The other girl Ayame then bowed to the guests, "Excuse me," she said before taking off.

"Hello, I'm Rin, if you let me, I'll be your hostess." The little one said so cutely, returning their attention back to her.

It struck a nerve in Kagome, a kind nerve, just how adorable she spoke. She just wanted to hug this child. Then out of the goodness of her heart, she told them, "We'll stay, thank you so much." Kagome answered.

Rin jumped up for joy, so happy they were staying. Sango gave Kagome a wide eyed look, not understanding why, but Kagome could only blush, directing her head from Sango to Rin. Sango looked at the girl and could only roll her eyes and sigh again, once more listening to her best friend.

Soon they were showed the stables where they could leave their horses in the care of Ayame, Rin told them she was good with animals.

Next, Rin introduced them to their lodgings for the night. It was a very small room, probably only good for one person. There were two small beds and one drawer-desk. No mirrors, the place was pretty plain on the inside. The only pride in their room was the balcony. It was a little small as well, but beautiful. It was connected to a window that was pretty much a door they could walk in and out of, from outside to inside. Rin told her that all the rooms on that floor were connected to the balcony. That it was a round balcony that covered the whole Inn. And there were ladders places around, so that any person on any floor could roam about from the outside.

The balcony, they were told, was also where their meals would be served. It was a lot simpler to roam the balcony giving food to the visitors, than it was going from door to door like some Inns did. Kagome and Sango were not disappointed at all. After all, they wouldn't require special treatment in the city.

Later, once Rin had finished showing them a bit of the necessary places they'd need to access, she returned them to their room and bid them a good evening, saying the later meal would be served at Shadow Forgotten Point, a.k.a when the sun went down.

It was only about an hour before the sun would indeed set, so Sango and Kagome decided to take their time to disarm themselves and get into looser and more comfortable clothing. They set their weapons and clothing in certain cases they carried with them at all times, then Kagome cast a Spirit Shield on them in case anyone would attempt to steal them from their places. Sango looked at Kagome and watched as her spiritual powers took effect. "I must say Kagome, those years as being a Summoner did you quite well."

"I was more a Warlock than anything. Every spell I casted, every move I made, or word I spoke, was all in name of my Emperor. But it was the duty of a Summoner." Kagome said, remembering.

She was a Summoner. She was born on the Isle of Bathestli. It was a Sacred place, said to be the first thing god Hojin ever created. The legends say that anyone who dies, their souls all return to the first creation and are born there once again. That is why many couples with their pregnant wives, they always went there to give birth to their children, in hopes the gods would return someone lost back to them, or remake a life that had died so young. Some people who had miscarriages went there for their second born, in order to restore the life of their first.

Bathestli was also the place Summoners trained. It was their job to protect the Sacred Island, as assigned to them by the orders of the Emperor. He was an old man now. It was said the Emperor was God in human form, that if he should die, his remains were always taken back to Bathestli to be buried.

Then bells all across the country would ring, saying that the Emperor was dead, and that they awaited the God's return to human flesh. Then the child born within the time the bells discontinued, or the first child born on the Island at any time after, they were then pronounced to be the Emperor reincarnated. It didn't matter if the parents were poor or rich. In the end, the child was taken away into the palace and there he was blessed many times in the name of Hojin; the god of The Way.

Kagome was born on Bathestli, and she was told she was the reincarnation of their greatest Summoner, Kikyo, before her. Kagome, though she herself had never Summoned ever at least in this life, she was determined to surpass herself in her former life. And she did. She once again became the greatest Summoner on the Island. She won every challenge given to her, and she even studied the most dedicated. Even the Emperor was pleased and deemed her worthy to be one of his holy bodyguards. She accepted most gladly and was his servant for four years. That was until everything changed. Till she left everything behind.

It would be a very good question to ask why someone in such great spiritual status, greatness and honour would step down from their place. But in every case, the most perfect and honourable reason was marriage.

Kagome met Kioran Higate during the time she was serving the Emperor. He had been called by the Emperor to the Island in order to vanquish a strong demon. He was the greatest Demon Hunter of all time. All the people in Kanja felt it no surprise that both the best of the best in service to the Emperor would fall in love. And they did. Kagome and Kioran did fall in love. It was quite by accident though. Kagome, a very careful woman, one day fell and stubbed her toe. She was dumbfounded by what happened because she couldn't believe a girl like her could do such a thing, she'd become quite snotty.

But it was then Kioran helped her up and said that it was alright, that he would look after her.

After a few more times of having conversation and walking about, and slaying demons with each-other, other people around the Island began to notice their closeness. It was then the Emperor suggested to them both to marry. He told them the Empire would just adore their best of the best coming into a special union such as marriage. He told them it would give the people hope for the future.

Kagome knew if she got married to Kioran, it would mean she could never be a Summoner in this life, ever again. Still, the Emperor was very convincing, and she decided to accept.

So without further ado, they did get married. Kagome then gave up her life of a Summoner, and she came to the Mainland, away from her home Island forever.

When they got to the Mainland, they were given a very warm welcome, almost as brilliant and spirited as the Emperor would have. They all celebrated to the new couple, Kagome could see in their eyes a strong hope and love, tears coming from many women. It gave Kagome such happiness, she was indeed proud of every decision she'd ever made in her life.

After celebrations, Her and Kioran then went to live inwards, to the country. There she saw his home for the first time, it was quite large, like a castle. Next to the house as a little cottage.

For almost a year, they remained there, happy. They spent most of their time in the cottage, for it was so much easier to be in contact with each-other than in a giant building. They had their servants, but really they didn't need any, it was only for status expectation. Many times they made love, and many times he would have to leave, to return in service to his Emperor. They were happy. So happy. Until that day. That dreadful day, when she would say goodbye to her husband, for the very last time.

"Kagome?" Sango asked a little concerned.

The voice broke Kagome away from her thoughts and memories, and then turned to her dear friend.

"Hm?" Kagome asked.

"Nothing, it's just, you seemed to be thinking about a lot for a few seconds there."

"It's nothing Sango." Kagome said, lying. The women were now clothed in common dresses. Nothing stylish, they didn't care for anything like that of the sort. "The sun will be going down soon, let's stretch, then we will discuss further plans for tomorrow."

Sango nodded.

(Authors Note)

It's been a while since I uploaded any chapters. I suddenly felt inspired to work more on this story. Don't ask why, xD.

Yes I know Sango's last name is not Coral, but I had to come up with something. Besides, it kind of rhymes. Feel free to review, it might actually help keep my inspiration running, meh, idk. Do what you want, that makes me more happy !